Gulzar
Gulzar, also known as Sampooran Singh Kalra, is a renowned Indian poet, lyricist, and filmmaker who has made significant contributions to the Indian film industry. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of his generation, with his work spanning across multiple genres and mediums.
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Early Life: Sampooran Singh Kalra, A Journey Begins
Born on 18th August 1934, Sampooran Singh Kalra, who later became world-famous as Gulzar, started his journey in a small town named Dina in the Jhelum District of British India, now a part of Pakistan. Gulzar was born into a Sikh family and nurtured his early interest in literature by reading translations of Tagore’s works.
The partition of India brought a sudden turn in his life, leading to the separation of his family and an abrupt halt to his studies. Young Gulzar moved to Mumbai, then known as Bombay, to support his family. He started his journey in the city of dreams with various small jobs, including one at a garage where he mixed shades of paint to repair damaged cars. This initial struggle shaped his worldview, which later got reflected in his work. Despite facing initial resistance from his family for his writing pursuits, he adopted the pen name Gulzar Deenvi, later shortened to simply Gulzar.
Personal Life of Gulzar: The Man Behind the Words
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gulzar leads a fulfilling personal life. He married actress Raakhee, and the couple was blessed with a daughter, Meghna Gulzar. Meghna, who grew up under the influence of her father’s literary genius, became a successful filmmaker after graduating from New York University. She has directed several acclaimed films and has also penned a biography of her father, Gulzar.
Professional Life: The Journey of a Lyricist and Director
Gulzar embarked on his film career as a lyricist with the music director S.D. Burman for the 1963 film Bandini. His unique style and depth of expression soon made him a beloved figure in the Indian cinema. He collaborated with numerous music directors and also ventured into scriptwriting and directing.
His directorial ventures such as Aandhi and Mausam in the 1970s, and the TV series Mirza Ghalib in the 1980s, added new feathers to his cap. Known for his innovative storytelling, Gulzar’s films often highlighted human relationships entangled in social issues.
Gulzar is also a renowned poet, with his work primarily in Urdu and Punjabi, along with several other languages. His poems and short stories have been published in various compilations, and his ghazals have adorned albums of prominent singers like Jagjit Singh.
Awards and Recognitions: A Testament to His Genius
Gulzar’s exceptional contribution to Indian cinema and literature has won him numerous prestigious awards. These include five Indian National Film Awards, 22 Filmfare Awards, the Sahitya Akademi Award, the third-highest civilian award in India, the Padma Bhushan, and the highest award in Indian cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
His work also gained international acclaim, winning him an Academy Award and a Grammy Award. In 2013, he was appointed as the Chancellor of Assam University, adding another significant milestone to his illustrious career.
Gulzar’s life is a testament to his resilience, talent, and dedication to his craft. His journey from a small town in pre-independence India to becoming one of the most revered figures in Indian cinema and literature is truly inspiring.
FAQ
Who is Rakhee Gulzar?
Rakhee Gulzar, born Rakhee Majumdar on August 15, 1947, in West Bengal, India, is a renowned Indian actress known for her work in Hindi and Bengali cinema. She made her Hindi film debut with “Jeevan Mrityu” (1970) and went on to star in over 100 films across four decades. She won two National Film Awards and three Filmfare Awards. In 2003, she was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. Rakhee was married to poet-lyricist Gulzar, but they later separated. They have a daughter, Meghna Gulzar, a noted filmmaker.
Who is Meghna Gulzar?
Meghna Gulzar, born on December 13, 1973, in Mumbai, India, is an acclaimed writer, director, and producer. She is the daughter of Gulzar and Rakhee Gulzar. Meghna started her career as a writer and assistant director before making her directorial debut with “Filhaal…” (2002). She gained widespread acclaim for films like “Talvar” (2015), “Raazi” (2018), and “Sam Bahadur” (2023). Known for her realistic storytelling and in-depth research, Meghna continues to be one of the most respected filmmakers in Indian cinema today.
What are some heart-touching Shayaris by Gulzar?
Gulzar’s Shayari beautifully captures deep emotions, relationships, and nostalgia. Some of his most touching lines include:
• “Tere jaane se to kuch badla nahi, raat bhi aayi thi aur chand bhi tha, magar neend nahi.” (Even though you are gone, nothing has changed. The night came, the moon shined, but I couldn’t sleep.)
• “Achchi kitabein aur achche log turant samajh mein nahi aate, unhe padhna padta hai.” (Good books and good people take time to understand, they must be read deeply.)
• “Dil dhoondhta hai phir wahi fursat ke raat din.” (The heart longs for those carefree days and nights again.)
These shayaris reflect Gulzar’s profound way of expressing emotions.
What are some of Gulzar's two-line Shayaris?
Gulzar’s two-liners are simple yet impactful. Some of his best ones include:
• “Kabhi to chaunk ke dekhe koi hamari taraf, kisi ki aankhon mein humko bhi intezaar dikhe.” (Someone should glance at me with surprise, and I too should see longing in their eyes.)
• “Raat bhar tanhaai ki ek saal mein, zindagi ka ek aur saal beet gaya.” (A year passed by in just one lonely night.)
• “Chupke se bheegi raat mein, khushbu chura ke le gaya.” (Silently, on a rainy night, the wind stole away the fragrance.)
His couplets capture love, longing, and the passage of time.
What are some famous quotes by Gulzar?
Gulzar’s quotes are deeply philosophical and emotional. Here are a few:
• “Mitti ki bhi khushboo hoti hai, apne hi desh mein.” (Even the soil has a unique fragrance in one’s homeland.)
• “Jab bhi tanhaai ka ehsaas hota hai, tum yaad aate ho.” (Whenever I feel lonely, I remember you.)
• “Zindagi yun hui basar tanha, kaarwaan saath aur safar tanha.” (Life was spent alone; there was a caravan, but the journey was lonely.)
His words beautifully express emotions and the essence of life.
What themes are prevalent in Gulzar's poetry?
Gulzar’s poetry revolves around themes of love, nostalgia, separation, social issues, and human emotions. He masterfully captures the pains of unfulfilled love, memories of childhood, and societal struggles. His words have a universal appeal, making readers feel deeply connected to his emotions. His style is simple yet profound, often evoking strong imagery. His poetry is admired across generations and has been translated into multiple languages.
Which books has Gulzar authored?
Gulzar has written several books in poetry, short stories, and lyrics. Some of his most famous books include:
• “Raavi Paar” – A collection of short stories, many inspired by Partition.
• “Pukhraj” – A collection of his selected poems.
• “Half a Rupee Stories” – Short stories depicting Indian life and emotions.
His books reflect his deep observations about life, love, and society.
What does the name 'Gulzar' mean?
The name ‘Gulzar’ is of Persian origin and means “garden” or “rose garden”. It symbolizes a place of beauty, peace, and creativity—which perfectly describes his poetic and artistic soul. His real name is Sampooran Singh Kalra, but he adopted ‘Gulzar’ as his pen name early in his career. Today, the name is synonymous with lyrical excellence, poetry, and cinema.
How old is Gulzar?
Gulzar was born on August 18, 1934, making him 90 years old in 2025. Despite his age, he remains active in literature and cinema, continuously inspiring younger generations. With a career spanning over six decades, he has contributed immensely to poetry, films, and storytelling, earning accolades worldwide.
What is Gulzar's real name?
Gulzar’s real name is Sampooran Singh Kalra. He was born in Dina, Punjab, British India (now in Pakistan). After the Partition of India in 1947, he moved to Delhi and later to Mumbai, where he built his career as a poet, lyricist, screenwriter, and director. His pen name, ‘Gulzar’, became iconic in the world of poetry and cinema.
What is Gulzar's religion?
Gulzar was born into a Sikh family, but his works transcend religious boundaries. His poetry and films often explore universal human emotions rather than religious themes. Over the years, he has been an advocate of secularism, believing in humanity above all religions. His stories focus on love, social justice, and human relationships rather than religious identity.
What is included in Gulzar's filmography?
Gulzar has had a legendary career as a lyricist, screenwriter, and director. His notable contributions include:
• As a Lyricist: “Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi,” “Tujhse Naraz Nahi Zindagi,” “Jai Ho”
• As a Director: Mere Apne (1971), Aandhi (1975), Maachis (1996)
• As a Screenwriter: Anand (1971), Namak Haraam (1973), Masoom (1983)
He won an Oscar for “Jai Ho” (Slumdog Millionaire) and multiple National Film Awards for his poetic storytelling.
